An optometry qualification isn’t necessarily the only ticket towards independent practice ownership, which can be configured in many ways regardless of job title.
Independent optometry practice isn’t for everyone, but it also isn’t limited to a certain ‘type’ either. The Type A optometrist, perhaps, is the first stereotype that springs to mind.
Young mums, orthoptists, optical dispensers and even more mature practitioners have all taken the plunge into independent ownership within the Eyecare Plus network in recent times – bringing their own flavour of primary eyecare through various ownership structures.
Diversity across the network of 120 businesses is one of the hallmarks of Eyecare Plus. It’s something high performance manager Ms Yvette Safier says the organisation is proud of and brings value to members.
“At our recent meetings it has been great to hear the views of both young and more mature members – they can learn a lot from each other,” she says.
“Younger members are often better at social media and digital advertising, are happy to give things a try and have a lot of energy. Our more mature members have experience under their belt, they have done the hard yards and recognise where to divert their energy.”
The Eyecare Plus group has some clear distinctions. For example, members can opt to align their practice brand under the Eyecare Plus banner to leverage national and sophisticated marketing campaigns, or they can co-brand to also benefit from this. Others choose to maintain their own brand identity. It operates under a protected territories model so practices aren’t competing in the same communities, promoting collegiality. Members have complete independence and can opt into any initiatives by head office, and have autonomy over their product mix.
But another key feature is that membership, and therefore ownership, is open to non-optometrists.
“And we have some members who are optical dispensers, as well as some partnerships between optometrists and optical dispensers,” Safier adds.
Beyond job titles, Safier notes there are some common mental barriers that hold people back from diving into independent ownership.
The big one is that it’s easier to work for someone else with a guaranteed salary each week than it is to buy a practice.
“However, it is not as rewarding,” she says.
“If you don’t have a lot of money and you purchase an established but small practice as your first practice, it may not be shiny and new but over time you can build it up, renovate or move down the road.”
Mr Nathan Tsalkos, who has changed the fortunes of Eyecare Plus Heidelberg (next page), is a case in point.
“Owning a practice will mean that you have to put in the hard yards to get it established – it won’t be a 9 to 5 job – but the effort you put in during the early years will pay off later when you can take a day off or hire a second optometrist,” Safier says.
She has some thought-provoking advice on proven methods to enter independent ownership.
Buying a business first and a house later is one pearl.
“If you build your business then you will be able to buy a house. Be prepared to move out of the metro areas where there is more opportunity. There are small practices for sale that you can build if you put the effort in.
“While in the growing phase, you could do some locum work for extra money. Eyecare Plus can assist you to market your practice to grow.”
Being able to offer tailored solutions for each patient is a major advantage – and is where the highest performing independents succeed.
“If you have a passion for dry eye, myopia control, orthokeratology, children’s vision, contact lenses, or any other specialty, then you can make this a focus of your practice to differentiate yourself. If you are passionate about what you do and you do it well, you will find that referrals will grow without even trying,” Safier adds.
For those with the commitment and savviness for independent optometry, Eyecare Plus can help locate a practice to purchase.
There are several options on the table other than straight-out ownership. Aspiring owners can work in a practice with the option of buying-in if the owner is looking for a succession plan.
“As well as assistance that national office staff can provide, our members are happy to give advice from experience. Due to our territory protection, our members always share ideas freely at meetings and conferences, which is a huge advantage of Eyecare Plus membership,” Safier says.
From independents themselves
Long-time mentor becomes business partner
Mr Jonathan McCorriston recently became a co-owner of Eyecare Plus Optometrists Southport, Benowa, and Burleigh, partnering with long-time mentor Mr Michael Hare. Having worked alongside Hare for 20 years, McCorriston admires his leadership and expertise in practice ownership. Together, they’ve expanded their reach, opening a fourth location in Paradise Point, at the northern end of the Gold Coast.
Their now-four locations are all busy and the duo have surrounded themselves with a wonderful, highly skilled team. They say it’s gratifying to know the combined knowledge, experience and enthusiasm shown by partners and staff is infectious – and the key ingredient for continued growth.
“It’s sad to hear of new graduates, especially, who become disillusioned with their mode of optometry practice, where their patients often feel rushed and treated like a number. They sadly leave the profession or are unhappy in their role. This is one reason why there will always be a need for independent optometry practices,” Hare says.
Flora’s inspiring Year
Ms Flora Luk’s acquisition of Eyecare Plus Optometrists Cheltenham marked the beginning of an extraordinary life chapter. Shortly after acquiring the practice, she got married and welcomed her first child, a whirlwind of life-changing events within less than 12 months.
Balancing professional and personal milestones, Luk exemplifies resilience and determination. Owning a business requires strategic planning and leadership, while embracing marriage and motherhood brings emotional and logistical challenges. Together, the journey highlights how partnerships and support systems are crucial during transformative life stages.
This story may resonate with many, a reminder that significant life events often converge. Navigating such transitions requires adaptability, communication, and self-care. Luk’s experience can inspire others to “approach these challenges with confidence and grace”.
The power of two
Ms Amanda Duffy and Mr James Paton joined Eyecare Plus in July 2023 when they purchased an established but somewhat neglected practice in Belmont, NSW, and have quickly become “the dynamic power couple of the Eyecare Plus family”. Duffy, an optometrist, and Paton, with his engineering and project management background, have a synergy that is propelling Eyecare Plus Belmont forward.
Fast forward to today, and they are on the verge of acquiring their second practice, further demonstrating their drive for exceptional eyecare and serving the local community.
Orthoptist finds his niche
Mr Pierre Elmurr is the owner of Primary Eye Care in Burwood & Mona Vale, NSW. In 2023 he purchased Eyecare Plus Burwood and incorporated it into his existing Burwood practice. He qualified as an orthoptist in 1992 and also completed a Masters in Exercise and Sports Science by research in 1995, both from the University of Sydney.
Elmurr became self-employed in 2012 with Primary Eye Care and continued to develop his clinical interests in paediatric vision and management of ocular motility disorders, rehabilitation, vision and sport and occupational vision. The Burwood clinic is an accredited University teaching facility for orthoptic students from UTS.
He encourages anyone with a passion for their profession to consider self-employment: “The rewards are greater than the challenges.”
‘First step towards self-employment is the hardest decision’
Ms Li Chen and Mr Paul Cha approached Eyecare Plus in late 2010, looking to establish their own practice. Chen is an optometrist, while Cha has a business background, and is today the director of their two practices.
Initially, they ventured out of Sydney and established their first practice in 2011, Eyecare Plus Lake Munmorah on the Central Coast, building it from the ground up. It was a success and after a decade of learning, the next challenge awaited – a well-established practice in Avalon Beach, Sydney, in 2022.
Cha says taking the first step towards self-employment is the hardest decision.
“But as long as you assess your risks and set your goals, then the whole process becomes more predictable. The satisfaction you get from seeing your efforts come to fruition is the greatest reward, both financially and intrinsically.”
Turning around a practice in decline
As a young optometrist, Mr Nathan Tsalkos took the bold step of purchasing Eyecare Plus Heidelberg, and was driven to expand and modernise the practice. It would be a challenge, as the practice trends showed declining patient numbers and the last renovation was done in 1985.
“What drove me to take the chance was the excitement of knowing that if I take the obvious potential of the practice and grow it, that I would be extremely satisfied and proud of what I would have achieved.”
Initially managing the practice solo, Tsalkos handled all optical dispensing while delivering eyecare. Now, with the addition of an optical dispenser to his team, he continues to focus on growth, innovation, and providing exceptional service.
More reading
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Eyecare Plus’ modern-day optometry marketing strategy
